Helen Stuart
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Yukon pioneer and long-time Whitehorse resident, Helen Stuart. Helen passed peacefully on December 17, 2019, comforted by her loving family and the kind nurses at Whitehorse General Hospital.
Helen was born in High Prairie, Alberta on June 26, 1931, the second youngest of nine siblings to mother Anna Marie and father Alfred. She married James (Jim) Stuart in 1949 and they started their family in Widewater, Alberta, then moving to Watson Lake in 1954, and finally to Whitehorse in 1958. Helen loved everything about the Yukon life, and couldn’t imagine ever leaving what she had found and created here.
Helen was a very passionate and talented woman, putting her full heart and soul into all that she did – from family, to work, to sports, and hobbies. Helen loved her work as a letter carrier for Canada Post, carrying treats and befriending all the dogs along her route. She excelled at sports and was a pillar in Yukon women’s curling and baseball. She attended national competitions with the Women’s Postal Curling League and was a pitcher and coach for the Whitehorse women’s fastball league. Helen was a master gardener and maintained an amazing greenhouse and garden full of luscious flowers and delicious vegetables – enough to feed her entire extended family. Her meticulous nature flowed into her crafting and seamstress skills. She created beautiful northern fur parkas, knitted sweaters, ornaments and decorations, costumes, … her entire home was a creation of beauty.
Helen was a true matriarch and cherished her family above all else. She was a strong and resourceful woman with a loving and caring side which made her a generous mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbour. She will be dearly missed by all. Helen was predeceased by her husband James (Jim) Stuart in 2016. She is survived by her children Darol, Patricia, and Charles, her daughters-in-law Dianne and Jennifer, her son-in-law Ken, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her sisters Sally and Lila.
Helen’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Whistle Bend Care Facility for their care and support during her brief transition from her own home this year.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on December 28. Please contact the family at 335-9115 for details. To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.heritagenorth.ca
Kim and Pat Austin
Our thoughts are with you all May you find comfort in all the memories you hold in your hearts
Doug Bell
My sincerest condolences to Darol, Patricia and Charles and the rest of Helen’s family. Helen was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed by all. Thank you.
Betty Sorensen (Engebretson)
I am so sorry to hear of Aunti Helen’s passing. My thoughts are with you all. xo
Linda Anderson
I just came across this, so sad to see my friend and team mate passed.
Truly a beautiful human. Rest peacefully dear soul.